“Cortés and Corn,” a linocut by Mariana Yampolsky, depicts the conqueror of Mexico and his “astonishment at the food that he has just encountered, since corn did not exist in Europe.” The artwork is included in Pellissippi State’s “Historia de México” exhibit, Feb. 21-March 4.
Pellissippi State Community College is one of only two venues in the state to host a traveling historical art exhibit from Mexico. Slated for display Feb. 21-March 4, “Historia de México” features engravings that celebrate Mexico’s 1810 independence from Spain and its 1910 revolution.
The artwork depicts various stages of Mexican history as seen from the point of view of the artists. The pieces include technical descriptions and brief commentaries on the historical significance of each work.
The Tennessee Consortium for International Studies, whose headquarters are at Pellissippi State, and the Ministry of Culture of Michoacán, a Mexican state, are sponsoring the exhibit.
TnCIS is dedicated to making international education and cultural understanding a central goal of higher education in Tennessee. The organization offers study abroad opportunities to college students throughout Tennessee. The academic programs scheduled for this summer include study in 15 different countries.
Mariana Yampolsky (1925-2002), a Chicago native who moved to Mexico at the age of 19 and became a celebrated engraver and photographer, is one of several artists included in Pellissippi State’s “Historia de México” exhibit, Feb. 21-March 4.
This year’s exhibit marks the third time that TnCIS and Pellissippi State have presented artwork from Mexico. Pieces in the traveling collection focus on two of the most defining national events in Mexican history: the country’s 19th century struggle for independence from the Spanish colonial authority and its 20th century revolution against the Mexican autocracy.
Last year marked the Bicentennial of Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. The cultural significance of both events lend themselves to art, says Milton Grimes, Pellissippi State’s assistant to the president, international affairs, and former executive director of TnCIS.
“The engravings in this exhibit attest not only to the significance of the War of Independence, but they also graphically show us the immense cost in both human life and suffering during this war,” said Grimes.
“By hosting this exhibit, we not only honor those who suffered and died for their freedom, but we also reaffirm the close relationship which continues to exist between our two countries.”
Ángel Bracho’s “The Dictatorship is Stopped” is one of several pieces on display in Pellissippi State’s “Historia de México” exhibit, Feb. 21-March 4.
“Historia de México” began its college campus tour last summer in Kentucky. Its only two stops in Tennessee are at Pellissippi State, followed by Roane State Community College. The event is free and open to the public. Tours from schools, art classes or artists’ groups are welcome.
Exhibit hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, 9-noon. The exhibit is in Pellissippi State’s Bagwell Center for Media and Art gallery, on the Pellissippi Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road.
To learn more about the exhibit or to schedule a group tour, contact Theresa Castillo, TnCIS coordinator, at (865) 539-7280 or tcastillo@pstcc.edu. To request accommodations for a disability, contact Ann Satkowiak at (865) 539-7153 or asatkowiak@pstcc.edu.
Additional information about TnCIS is available at www.tncis.org. More can be learned about Pellissippi State at www.pstcc.edu.